Problema Solution

How long will it take an Amtrak passenger train to catch up to a freight train if their speeds are 60 and 45 mph and the freight train had an hour and a half head start?

Answer provided by our tutors

Let


x = 60 mph the speed of the Amtrak train

y = 45 mph the speed of the Freight train


t = the time of the ride on the Amtrak train

t + 1.5 hours = the time of the Freight train


x*t = y*(t + 1.5)


60*t = 45*(t + 1.5) by solving we find


t = 4.5 hours


After 4.5 hours the Amtrak train will catch up the Freight train.